FORGET Salmond v Darling - one of Scotland toughest TV detectives will take on the Chief Secretary to The Treasury in the latest televised referendum debate.

Exiled Scots actor Ken Stott, who played Inspector John Rebus in the ITV adaptation of the Ian Rankin novels and is a pro-Yes supporter, will face off with Scots Lib Dem MP Danny Alexander in a live BBC Scotland debate in Inverness.

Stott, who lives between England and Italy, is a vocal campaigner for the Yes campaign, and has spoken in the past of his voiced his "envy" of those in Scotland having the opportunity to vote in the referendum.

An insider said: "Ken Stott can be every bit as formidable a character as his most famous on-screen persona. The lineup should make for compelling television."

Chief Secretary to the Treasury Danny Alexander (Image: PA)

Angus Robertson, the SNP's referendum campaign director, will also take part in , as will Blair McDougall, campaign director of Better Together.